cover letter for secretary job with experience

12 Secretary Cover Letter Examples

Secretaries are the gatekeepers of an organization, adept at managing information, coordinating tasks, and ensuring seamless communication. Similarly, your cover letter is the gatekeeper of your job application, effectively managing your professional narrative, coordinating your skills and experiences, and ensuring clear communication of your potential. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Secretaries, helping you to unlock the door to your next opportunity.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Secretary cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. Then, introduce yourself and express your interest in the secretary position. Mention where you found the job posting and why you're interested in the role. For example, "Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to express my interest in the Secretary position at XYZ Company, which I learned about from your website. I am drawn to this opportunity because I believe my organizational skills and attention to detail make me a strong fit for this role." This approach shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.

Secretaries should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and their qualifications. They should express enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company and reiterate their key skills that make them a strong fit for the role. A polite and professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best Regards," should be used, followed by their name. It's also important to include contact information, such as a phone number or email address, for easy follow-up. Lastly, secretaries should thank the reader for their time and consideration, showing respect for the recipient's time. This ending leaves a positive impression and reinforces their interest in the position.

A Secretary's cover letter should ideally be about one page long. This length is sufficient to clearly and concisely present your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role without overwhelming the reader. As a secretary, your ability to communicate effectively and succinctly is a valued skill, and your cover letter is a great place to demonstrate this. It's important to keep your content relevant and targeted, focusing on your most impressive and applicable qualifications and achievements. Remember, the cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so make every word count.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Secretary can seem challenging, but it's definitely possible. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Start with a Professional Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible. If you can't find their name, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager". 2. Opening Paragraph: Begin by stating the position you're applying for. Mention where you found the job posting. If you were referred by someone, mention their name and connection to the company. 3. Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you haven't worked as a secretary before, you likely have skills that are relevant to the job. These could include organization, communication, customer service, or technical skills like proficiency in Microsoft Office. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills. For example, if you've worked in a customer service role, you might discuss how you managed a high volume of customer inquiries and maintained a well-organized system for tracking and resolving issues. 4. Show Enthusiasm for the Company: Do some research on the company and mention something you admire about it in your cover letter. This shows that you're interested in the company specifically, not just any secretary job. 5. Education and Training: If you have any education or training that's relevant to the job, be sure to mention it. This could include a degree, a certificate program, or even a relevant course or workshop you've taken. 6. Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position and the company. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application. 7. Professional Closing: Close the letter with a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember, the goal of the cover letter is to show the hiring manager why you would be a good fit for the job, even if you don't have direct experience. Highlight your transferable skills, show enthusiasm for the company, and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow in the role.

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Secretary Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

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How To Write a Secretary Cover Letter

To generate traction during the job search, build an accomplishment-driven secretary cover letter demonstrating your communication and administrative skill sets. Show potential employers how you can help refine office operations, improve scheduling processes, and coordinate client communications effectively. Our guide includes cover letter examples and expert tips to help capture your experience and land your next job interview.

Secretary Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Secretary Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Aliya Jackson Secretary | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Miami, FL 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Pat Martin Senior Hiring Manager Miami Cancer Institute (987) 654-3210 patmartin@miamicancerinstitute,org

Dear Pat Martin:

I’m interested in applying for the medical secretary position with Miami Cancer Institute. During my time with Ormond Beach Oncology Associates, I coordinated with physicians, nurses, and office personnel to enhance patient flow, resulting in a 20% reduction in wait times and a 92% patient satisfaction rating. I can achieve similar results for your organization in this role.

Miami Cancer Institute’s reputation for its comprehensive clinical standards is what excites me about this opportunity . Throughout my career as a medical secretary, I’ve communicated with empathy and compassion while interfacing with patients suffering from debilitating and life-threatening health conditions. I can help your team continue to improve the patient experience based on my previous achievements:

• Fielded phone inquiries for new and existing patients, managed appointment scheduling, conducted new patient orientations, and handled electronic medical records
• Managed physician calendars, resolved scheduling conflicts, interfaced with diverse patient populations, and contributed to an organization-wide 92% patient satisfaction score
• Conducted patient scheduling, registration, and data entry for a medical office with over 250 patients, updated health records, and ensured compliance with HIPAA

I look forward to scheduling an interview to tell you more about how my background as a medical secretary can help further enhance patient-care delivery at Miami Cancer Institute. Feel free to contact me via phone or email for any additional questions you may have on my background. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Aliya Jackson

Allison Rosenberg Secretary | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Diego, CA 12345 | LinkedIn

Hector Santos Senior Hiring Manager Richardson and Stone Legal Associates (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Santos:

I’m reaching out to apply for the secretary position with Richardson and Stone Legal Associates that I found on LinkedIn. As you can see from my resume, I have over five years of secretarial experience in established law firms. My expertise in administrative support and calendar management would be a strong asset to your team in this role.

Richardson and Stone Legal Associates’ reputation as a leading personal injury firm is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. At Haden Law Group, I fielded inquiries from potential clients, drafted correspondence, and liaised with clients, defense counsel, and courtrooms. I can support legal operations for your firm based on my career achievements:

• Provided administrative support to legal teams, drafted correspondence, coordinated client communications, managed calendars, and organized physical and electronic files to support multi-million dollar legal cases
• Maintained client and firm files, coordinated conference room meetings, purchased office supplies, and oversaw invoicing procedures
• Managed attorney calendars, scheduled client appointments, and verified court dates

I’d like to set up an interview to discuss how my experience as a secretary and legal assistant can provide value to your law firm. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Allison Rosenberg

Kevin Morrison Secretary | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Boston, MA 12345 | LinkedIn

Lori Taylor Senior Hiring Manager OrthoBoston (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Taylor,

During my time as the secretary for Providence Orthopedics, I overhauled my department’s data gathering protocols to successfully reduce pre-surgical file omissions by 98%. This project significantly improved the availability of crucial medical information and saved over 15 work hours per week. I look forward to leveraging my outstanding organizational skills as the pre-admissions department secretary at OrthoBoston.

As a seasoned administrator with 12 years of experience providing efficient secretarial support in hospitals, I am drawn to OrthoBoston’s reputation for exceptional patient care. I would relish utilizing my skills and experience to ensure seamless treatment pathways for your service users. Some of my recent achievements include:

• Streamlined the post-meeting administrative process to ensure swift follow-up on assignments, contributing to a departmental productivity increase of 26% in 2023
• Trained five new hires and identified opportunities to enhance performance and service quality, which supported a 10% increase in patient satisfaction
• Implemented a new patient scheduling system that freed up an average of five appointments per practitioner per week

I look forward to speaking with you further about how my secretarial experience within the health care field can help your organization continue to deliver exceptional patient care. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kevin Morrison

Writing a great secretary cover letter requires a creative approach that differs from many other types of positions. This is because your day-to-day administrative duties might not always seem like genuine achievements. That said, your contributions are vital to daily operations, and it’s important to emphasize the true value you bring to your teams and organizations. Below, we’ll provide guidance to help you capture the most compelling aspects of your professional experience in your secretary cover letter:

1. Contact information and salutation

List all essential contact information at the top of your secretary cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” This shows you’ve taken the time to research the company before applying and demonstrates your genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity.

2. Introduction

Lead your secretary cover letter with a strong introduction to convey your interest in the job and grab the attention of the hiring manager. Build your paragraph around one of your most impressive career achievements, preferably backed by an eye-catching number or metric. Be sure to highlight your expertise in administrative support, client communications, and calendar management, skills especially important for secretarial roles.

In the example below, the applicant highlights the impact of their administrative support on a doctor’s office. Showcasing hard data in a similar manner is a great way to bolster the impact of your achievements on your secretary cover letter.

3. Body paragraphs

In the body paragraphs of your secretary cover letter, highlight your qualifications and career achievements as a secretary. Start by mentioning something specific about the company’s culture, reputation, or mission statement and why you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity. Feature tangible examples of the value you bring as a secretary and administrative professional, emphasizing quantifiable results. Consider adding a list of bullet points to break up the text on the page and improve the readability of your document.

Notice how the candidate below leverages their administrative experience within the health care field. Clinical environments are often fast-paced and high-stress, and yet the secretary has consistently found ways to improve operational efficiency and patient satisfaction throughout their career. Emphasizing your proven track record of success is essential for building a stand-out secretary cover letter.

As a seasoned administrator with 12 years of experience providing efficient secretarial support in hospitals, I am drawn to OrthoBoston’s reputation for exceptional patient care. I would relish using my skills and experience to ensure seamless treatment pathways for your service users. Some of my recent achievements include:

4. Secretary skills and qualifications

Rather than simply listing key skills on your secretary cover letter, tactically incorporate keywords from the job posting into your paragraphs. Feature examples of you utilizing various administrative skill sets in professional business environments. Below, we’ve gathered a wide range of potential skills you can add to your secretary cover letter:

5. Closing section

The conclusion of your secretary cover letter should feature a call to action (CTA) that encourages the hiring manager to bring you in for an interview. This displays your confidence and genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence of the paragraph.

Secretary Cover Letter Tips

1. feature your expertise in administrative support.

Secretarial positions require strong organizational and administrative skill sets. As you craft your cover letter, call out these qualifications using specific instances from your work history. In the example below, the candidate demonstrates their ability to manage calendars, correspondence, and documentation for a premier law firm. This helps to convey how their experience can help refine operations for potential employers:

2. Highlight your communication and client relations skills

As a secretary, you’ll be responsible for fielding inquiries and managing client communications on a daily basis. Hiring managers want to see how you’ve leveraged these skills throughout your career. In the example below, the applicant highlights their background interfacing with patients suffering from debilitating and life-threatening conditions, especially valuable when applying for secretarial positions in health care:

Miami Cancer Institute’s reputation for its comprehensive clinical standards is what excites me about this opportunity. Throughout my career as medical secretary, I’ve communicated with empathy and compassion while interfacing with patients suffering from debilitating and life-threatening health conditions. I can help your team continue to improve the patient experience based on my previous achievements:

3. Align your cover letter with the job description

Tailoring your cover letter towards individual job descriptions is the best way to maximize your chances of landing the interview. In addition to mentioning specifics about the organization’s reputation or culture, convey how your industry knowledge and experience make you a good fit for the role. Below, the candidate emphasizes their background working in the legal field, which sends a clear message they can adapt to the needs of prospective law firms:

Richardson and Stone Legal Associates’ reputation as a leading personal injury firm draws me to apply for this opportunity. During my time with Haden Law Group, I fielded inquiries from potential clients, drafted correspondence, and liaised with clients, defense counsel, and courtrooms. I can support legal operations for your firm based on my career achievements:

Secretary Cover Letter FAQs

Why should i submit a secretary cover letter -.

Although most job applications won’t require a cover letter for secretary positions, including one is a great way to showcase your written communication skills and make a strong first impression on the reader. Because most candidates won’t be submitting a cover letter, taking the time to craft a customized document may actually help differentiate you from the competition during the job search.

How do I make my secretary cover letter stand out? -

To maximize the value of your cover letter, provide unique insights into who you are as a professional using more personalized language in comparison to the resume. Convey your story using key examples from your professional history. This will help send a clear message that you have the necessary qualifications for the role and that you’re a good fit for the company’s culture.

How long should my cover letter be? -

In most situations, a concise yet compelling cover letter will be more beneficial to your job application. Limit your cover letter to three or four paragraphs, keeping the reader’s focus on your most notable accomplishments. Secretary job descriptions are often generic, and omitting bland details will only make your document stronger.

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Secretary Cover Letter Example

Create a Secretary cover letter that stands out and gets you hired faster with the help of ResumeCoach. Take advantage of our expert example cover letter, tips and guidance, and document designer tools to get the best results when you apply for your next job.

Secretary Example Cover Letter

Crafting a compelling Secretary cover letter can be a make or break component of your job application process.

The role of a secretary requires meticulous attention to detail, superior organizational abilities, and exemplary interpersonal skills. Your cover letter needs to reflect these qualities and provide a  glimpse into your potential  as an efficient and reliable asset to the prospective organization.

In this article, we’ll dive into some  less-known ingredients  that can make your secretary cover letter a success:

• Top 3 skills you should absolutely mention in your secretary cover letter
• 20 secretarial power words recruiters cannot resist
• 1 proven strategy to land your secretarial dream job if you have no experience

Get started by taking a look at the secretary cover letter example below.

[ Hiring Manager’s name ]

[Company name]

[Company address]

Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

I am excited to apply for the Secretary position at [Company]. With over 6 years of experience in the field and comprehensive knowledge of office management software, I believe I am an ideal candidate for this role.

In my current position at [Current Company], I have consistently demonstrated my exceptional organizational skills by successfully coordinating more than 50 offsite meetings, handling all travel arrangements, and drafting various formal emails, letters, and communications on behalf of the company. Through these responsibilities, I have honed my attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Moreover, I have proactively enhanced company filing procedures to streamline recordkeeping. By implementing improved systems, I was able to reduce document retrieval time by 12%, resulting in increased productivity and smoother workflow.

To provide a comprehensive overview of my qualifications and achievements, I have enclosed my resume for your review. It further emphasizes my career history and accomplishments in detail.

I am greatly interested in discussing how my skills and experience align with the Secretary position at [Company]. I am available for an in-person meeting at your convenience to address any questions you may have.

You may reach me anytime via my personal phone number, [Phone Number], or by email at [Email Address]. I eagerly look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my abilities can contribute to the success of [Company].

Thank you for considering my application. I anticipate hearing from you soon.

[Your Name]

[Address] [Phone number] [Email address]

Use our  cover letter creation tool  to write your secretary cover letter. Full of expert on-the-go tips, you’ll be done in just a few minutes.

Top 3 Skills Recruiters Look For in Secretaries

When recruiters look for secretaries, they look for those who possess the skills that will help them be successful in their role.

While knowing that abilities like efficient communication, time management, or software proficiency will enhance your cover letter, we have also included a breakdown of the ideal tasks to showcase them.

This way, you’ll be able to  provide details about how you’ve gained these   skills . Don’t forget that you’re telling a story through your application. The more detail, the more interesting it will be for hiring managers.

Here they are:

Skill 1: Efficient Communication and Interpersonal Skills

As a secretary, having excellent communication and interpersonal skills is vital. You will be the face and voice of the company.

This ability allows you to establish a  good relationship with clients, co-workers, and upper management . Efficient communication and interpersonal skills show you can:

• Greet guests in a polite and friendly manner
• Listen actively to clients and co-workers
• Write and speak professionally
• Handle conflict and complaints
• Assist managers and co-workers when needed
• Build trust and rapport between employees and clients

“My ability to multitask effectively and problem-solve on the fly proved invaluable, particularly in situations that required the juggling of multiple conflicting priorities. I maintained meticulous records and consistently updated our internal databases and files, ensuring easy access to vital information at all times.”

Skill 2: Organizational and Time Management Skills

Recruiters also prioritize the proficiency of secretaries in office software. Such proficiency significantly impacts the  efficiency of the workplace , which is why familiarity with these applications can strongly influence the selection process.

Proficiency in office software applications also allows for:

• Quick document processing and updates (Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
• Keeping databases up-to-date (Microsoft Access, MySQL, Salesforce)
• Staying on top of emails and software systems (Microsoft Outlook, Gmail)
• Efficient task completion (Trello, Asana, Microsoft Teams)
• Maintaining a professional online presence (Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram)

“In my previous role, I effectively used Asana for task management and project tracking, ensuring the team’s deadlines were consistently met. Furthermore, I was responsible for managing office equipment and scheduling regular maintenance, preventing potential disruptions. My proactive approach extended beyond these tasks, impacting overall project management duties and leading to a well-organized and highly efficient work environment.”

20 Power Words to Boost Your Secretary Cover Letter

When crafting your resume as a secretary, it’s important to  choose impactful language  that highlights your skills and accomplishments.

Power words are action verbs that make your cover letter more  dynamic and engaging . They help recruiters envision your contributions and capabilities.

Here is a list specifically tailored to secretaries:

• Coordinated
• Streamlined
• Prioritized

Example: “I meticulously organized and maintained complex calendars for multiple executives, ensuring seamless scheduling and timely coordination of meetings.”

• Facilitated
• Corresponded
• Implemented

Example: “I successfully implemented a new digital filing system that enhanced document retrieval efficiency and reduced paper waste.”

• Communicated
• Collaborated

Example: “I executed various administrative tasks with precision, including preparing official correspondence, managing office supplies, and coordinating travel arrangements.”

Using these  power words  strategically throughout your cover letter will give it a boost of energy and make it stand out to recruiters. Remember to  pair them with specific examples  of how you applied these skills to achieve positive results.

Also, tailor your language and examples to your specific experiences and achievements as a secretary. This will make your resume more compelling and help you present yourself as a confident and capable candidate.

Check our  cover letter guide . There you’ll find  detailed advice on the essential elements  of a winning cover letter, such as how to effectively detail your experience.

1 Proven Strategy to Land Your Secretarial Dream Job if You Have No Experience

As a job seeker with no experience, writing a cover letter for a secretary position can feel challenging. It’s important to convey enthusiasm, but saying things like “I am motivated” or “I’ve wanted to be a secretary since I can remember” won’t get you the job.

However, there is one thing you can do to show your motivation to recruiters –  join a professional association  and point it out in your cover letter.

Professional associations can boost a secretary’s profile in the application process. They not only represent a  commitment to the field  but also offer networking opportunities, professional development resources, and industry updates.

Membership in one of these associations can significantly enhance your  credibility  as a secretary and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and excellence in your field.

Here are three prominent associations you could join:

• International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
• American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP)
• National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS)

Take a look at the example in the following section to see how you can include your association membership in your cover letter.

Secretary Cover Letter With No Experience

While the  employment for secretaries is expected to decrease  during the next few years, it’s still a popular career choice for many.

If you’re a career newbie and are asking yourself “how do I write an application letter for a secretary position?”, review the cover letter sample below for further reference:

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Secretary position at [Company’s Name] as advertised. Although I do not have formal work experience, I believe my education, volunteer work, and my active membership with the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) have equipped me with a unique set of skills that are valuable for this role.

During my time at [Your College/University Name], I was often praised for my strong organizational skills and attention to detail. I utilized my knowledge of office software to streamline the management of academic projects and volunteered to assist in the organization of numerous school events. Through this, I developed proficiency in task prioritization, time management, and multitasking, skills that are crucial for the efficient functioning of an office environment.

As an active member of the IAAP, I’ve had the opportunity to enhance my communication and interpersonal skills through their various networking events. This exposure has enabled me to establish and maintain professional relationships effectively, a skill I believe is crucial for the role of a Secretary. Moreover, their certification programs and continuous professional development resources have allowed me to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices, further preparing me to thrive in an administrative role.

I am eager to bring my strong work ethic, dedication, and willingness to learn to your team at [Company’s Name]. I am confident that my skills would make me a valuable addition to your company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to the efficiency of your administrative operations.

Recap: How to Write a Secretary Cover Letter That Gets You the Job

Writing a cover letter for a secretarial position is easy, if you know what recruiters are looking for.

Let’s review the main points presented in this article:

• Top skills for secretaries : Communication, interpersonal skills, organization, time management, and office software applications. Provide specific examples of how you used them and consider taking a course if you’re missing any.
• Power words : Use power words to describe your experience in your cover letter. Your arguments will gain effectiveness through them.
• Professional associations : Specially advantageous for those with little or no experience, mentioning membership to an association shows commitment and passion for the secretarial world. Recruiters will be impressed.

By applying these tools and advice, you’ll effectively feature your unique set of skills and experience, demonstrating your ability to succeed in the position.

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Secretary cover letter example

Take a letter! Historically, one of a secretary’s most basic functions has been to turn a supervisor’s sometimes jumbled thoughts into a well-written, properly formatted letter. 

So when seeking a secretarial job, it should be right up your alley to write an effective, persuasive and professional secretary's cover letter to accompany your resume. And as we’ll see in this guide, it will greatly increase your chances of landing the job if you do so.

Resume.io is an expert source of advice and support for every cover letter preparation step. We’ve developed a wide selection of occupation-specific writing guides and free cover letter examples , plus field-tested templates and builder tools to help you create both resumes and cover letters. Our blog information covers the gamut of job search topics, from practical document formatting tips to thank-you letter writing

Here’s what we’ll discuss in this writing guide, backed by a secretary cover letter example: 

• The changing role and job outlook for secretaries
• Why a cover letter is crucial for a secretary
• Format for structuring a secretary's cover letter
• How to achieve the goal of each cover letter part: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• Design and formatting of a secretary cover letter
• Writing psychology: tips for a convincing cover letter
• Common mistakes you need to avoid.

In recent decades, the word “secretary” has fallen out of favor somewhat, replaced with terms like “administrative assistant.” But many of the duties remain the same, including handling correspondence, filing, bookkeeping, scheduling and answering phones. 

The bad news is, a 7% decline in the job outlook for secretaries and administrative assistants is projected from 2020 through 2030 in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . 

This is due in part to advances in technology that enable executives to prepare their own documents without any help. In 1970, for example, it would have seemed strange for a CEO to type his own letters, but today it would be odd to find a CEO who doesn’t send his own emails. 

Employment projections for secretaries and administrative assistants in the U.S., 2020-30, according to the BLS:

Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm#tab-6

What the coming job squeeze means to you is that you need an outstanding job application to compete for a shrinking number of jobs. And that means you’ll need an excellent resume and cover letter. 

Take a moment to review the resume guides already prepared by resume.io for executive assistants and legal assistants . It’s helpful to have your resume done before writing your cover letter, because they’ll need a similar design, and the content of your resume can help you determine what to say in your cover letter.

Here’s what this guide will discuss:

• How a secretary’s cover letter should be structured
• How a secretary’s cover letter should be formatted
• Tips for writing a convincing cover letter

Here is exactly how you can write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd, and help you land that interview.

For more ideas and inspiration, check out these cover letter writing guides and examples in the related administrative category:

• Customer Service Representative cover letter sample
• Administrative Assistant cover letter sample
• Receptionist cover letter sample
• Office Administrator cover letter sample
• Office Assistant cover letter sample
• Office Manager cover letter sample
• Personal Assistant cover letter sample
• Administrative Officer cover letter sample
• Call Center cover letter sample
• Administrative cover letter sample
• Front Desk Receptionist cover letter sample
• Virtual Assistant cover letter sample

A cover letter is an introduction, a handshake from afar, an attempt to establish a personal connection to a hiring manager. It’s also a matter of simple etiquette — you are asking for a job, so you need to ask . 

A resume is a somewhat stark and impersonal listing of your job experience, qualifications and skills. A resume isn’t addressed to anyone, and it doesn’t address the specific needs of a potential employer. 

But a cover letter offers the opportunity to showcase your personality, enthusiasm and likability. Nobody wants to work with someone they don’t like, so use your cover letter to demonstrate that you are an upbeat, positive professional.

Surveys of hiring managers have found that one of the top reasons resumes are rejected is because they were sent without a cover letter. 

A few employers sometimes request that you send a resume only. But unless you’re specifically asked otherwise, always include a cover letter with a resume.

Best format for a secretary’s cover letter

A cover letter should almost always be a maximum of one page, or some 400 words. And it should follow a defined structure that includes the following:

• Greeting / salutation
• Introduction
• Conclusion / call to action

Dear Mrs. Dayton,

Having worked as a personal assistant and secretary for five years, I am looking for my next challenging role. My previous secretarial work at two tech companies has given me the best possible foundation to assist you.

I am a digital native and passionate about utilising the latest AI advances to make my work more efficient. I adopted a mobile-first strategy with my previous boss, allowing us to keep informed and updated on the go. My job is to take every opportunity to make their life easier.

Leading the digital revolution within my organization, I reduced paperwork by 95% and improved the effectiveness of both audit results and business analysis projects, with an annual cost saving of $25-30k.

My time management skills are top-notch, arranging 30+ meetings and lunches every week, with up to 50 attendees per event. I am a big believer in developing personal relationships with everyone involved – you need them to be opening your emails.

I use my initiative to overcome problems and communicate with others where possible to find solutions independently. I will not come running to my boss for help unless I really need it.

The stresses of modern business mean that a secretary should be able to offer psychological support to their boss as well as operational support. I view my role as an emotional cheerleader as well as a reliable organizer. I am thoughtful, patient, and astute.

I would value the chance of an interview to explore whether there might be a fit. Your marketing manager Harris Jones suggested that I should get in touch.

Dara Spencer

Here’s what each of these components should contain:

Cover letter header

In the old days, companies would order reams of fine paper that were blank except for a letterhead — a space at the top containing the company’s name, address, phone number and perhaps a color logo. A secretary would take one of these pages, roll it into a typewriter and get busy writing a letter.

Today that letterhead is known in electronic correspondence as a header, and for an individual seeking a job it should include your name, occupation, address, phone number and email. 

The main purpose of a header is to let a prospective employer know how to contact you if they want to. But it has an important secondary purpose — to give your letter some visual flair. 

You DON’T want to write the body of your letter in purple text, but you CAN include a light splash of color somewhere in your header. You can be a bit creative here in your use of typography, layout and white space, and it should make your letter look better overall.

Including your complete home address at the beginning of your cover letter is unnecessary and can potentially raise data protection concerns. It is advisable to share your address only when you have reached the job offer stage. Additionally, the inclusion of an inside address is outdated and takes up valuable space in your cover letter, making it less effective.

To get an idea of what good headers look like, take a spin through the free cover letter templates at resume.io. You can take these designs and make any of them your own.

Align document styles

Your resume and cover letter should be a matching set, designed to be paired, and that means you should use the same fonts, font sizes and formatting styles in both. 

The headers on both should be similar if not identical, making it obvious that they came from the same person at the same time. If you’re blowing the dust off a two-year-old resume and mailing it with a new cover letter that uses totally different fonts and styles, that’s not going to work well.

Goal of the cover letter header: Distinguish yourself from other job applicants by showing a visual flair and regard for detail and high quality.

Cover letter greeting / salutation

“Dear Mr. [X],” “Dear Ms. [Y],” or “Dear Dr. [Z]” are all appropriate ways to write the greeting of your cover letter, also known as a salutation. In a proper business letter, the greeting is generally followed by a colon rather than a comma.

The era of email has relaxed these rules somewhat, so that nowadays “Greetings” or even “Hello” are sometimes substituted for “Dear.” But it’s a bit risky to mess with success, and you want to avoid being too informal in a letter asking for a job.

If you happen to know the person you’re writing to, it may be perfectly acceptable to address that individual by first name. But bear in mind that hiring decisions are often made by multiple people, so think about this entire group in writing your letter.

You should always try to address your cover letter to a named individual, even if no name is specified in the job listing that got your attention. 

People like to read their own names, and it shows both attention to detail and respect if you’ve gone to the trouble of finding out who makes the hiring decisions at the company where you want to work. 

A reasonable amount of research through Google, social media or the employer’s website should give you some information (if you’re an introverted person - sometimes even a call to the company itself). However, it’s vitally important to stay within the boundaries of propriety and common sense. You never know what company policies are regarding privacy.

If in doubt - use more generic but equally friendly phrases like “Dear <Company Name> Hiring Team” or  “Dear <Company Name> Team”.

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Set a professional, but friendly, tone by making a direct personal connection with the employer, using the recipient’s name if possible.

Cover letter introduction

Your first paragraph should start the engine of your letter with a “Vroom!” Using provocative, lively language, you want to identify the job you’re seeking and suggest why you would be a great candidate to fill it. 

Pay close attention to your tone of voice, which should be energetic and confident, but never arrogant or too familiar. Use bold and informative statements about yourself and the reason you’re applying for this job.

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Pique the interest of hiring managers with a confident, energetic preview of your qualifications that motivates further reading.

Cover letter body

The central two or three paragraphs of your cover letter must make the case as to why you are an excellent candidate to fill this job. 

The body of your letter should emphasize your work experience, education, special skills and any other qualifications worth mentioning.  

In discussing your past experience, try to be as specific as possible, using facts and figures where appropriate. Don’t just say where you worked and when, but describe your primary achievements on the job. 

Try to include at least one short little story about some challenge you faced in a past job, what action you took and how you achieved a satisfactory resolution.

Also, if you’ve done your homework on the employer you’re targeting, it can be really helpful to discuss specific challenges that you know this employer faces, and to suggest how your contributions could help address these issues.

Aim of the cover letter body: Highlight your most relevant achievements in relatable terms that translate to potential benefits for this employer.

Cover letter conclusion and call to action

Close on a positive, enthusiastic note that contains some kind of “call to action.” Declare that you would be delighted to come in for an interview, or perhaps even ask if you could call within the next couple of weeks to follow up. 

Plant the thought in your correspondent’s head that s/he should take some action as a result of your letter and not just lay it aside. Let that person know that you are not just randomly sending out resumes, but that you’re really interested in this job in particular and you’re confident you would be an excellent candidate.

Goal of the cover letter conclusion: End on a positive, self-assured note with a call to action that ideally results in an interview.

Cover letter sign-off

Finish with “Sincerely,” “All my best,” or a similar phrase, insert a space below that, and type your name. If you like, you can insert a digital signature here, though in electronic correspondence this is not considered necessary.

The best start to a great cover letter is a professionally designed template where all the formatting is done for you. Review sample cover letter templates in four style categories: simple , modern , professional and creative . Choose the one you like best, and fill in your own information using our cover letter builder tool.

You’ll be building on a foundation of success with a format that’s been proven to work by actual recruiters!

Writing psychology: how to write a persuasive cover letter

A cover letter is formal business correspondence, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be personal. Always remember that you’re writing to a real person, and your letter should sound like it was written by a real person too — not a robot. 

Your letter is a personal appeal in which you’re asking another human being for a job. So you want to try to get inside that person’s head a bit.

If you were on the receiving end of this letter, would you want to meet the person who wrote it? Would you want to work with that person for years to come?

Are there any turnoffs in your letter? Does it ever cross a line from confident competence into arrogance? Does it ever sound like you feel entitled to this job?

It’s crucial to find the right tone of voice, taking into account your position relative to that of the person to whom you’re writing. 

You also want to look at the kind of language used by the firm you’re targeting on its website and elsewhere. Whether it’s highly formal or disarmingly casual, the tone the employer uses in its communications with the public should serve as a guide to the kind of tone you should use in your letter.

You need to make sure that you’ve mentioned all of your most impressive accomplishments, and left out anything that isn’t a great selling point. You can only say so much in a one-page letter, and you need to make every word count.

Mistakes to avoid in writing a cover letter

Here are some of the common errors to avoid in writing a cover letter:

• Typos, misspellings and other English mistakes: You cannot afford to make any mistakes. Nobody wants to hire a secretary who can’t write a one-page letter without typos, misspellings, bad grammar or punctuation mistakes.
• One size fits all: Every cover letter should be unique and targeted to a specific employer. You can’t just send the same letter to 50 prospective employers and expect all of them to take you seriously.
• Clichés, HR-speak and fluff: Are you a “team-oriented” “self-starter” who “thinks outside the box”? Well, then 1985 just called, and it wants its clichés back. Lazy, hackneyed phrases borrowed from elsewhere will demonstrate that you lack originality and are just recycling a bunch of “fluff” — fancy language that doesn’t mean anything.
• Structural and formatting errors: If you’ve ignored the basic components of what a cover letter should contain and how it should be formatted, how are you going to convince anyone that you’d be a good secretary?

Key takeaways for a secretary cover letter

• Secretary jobs are expected to decline by 7% in the next decade, at least in the United States, so to stay ahead of the pack in a competitive field, you need a superior cover letter and resume.
• Sending a cover letter is not only a common courtesy when seeking a job, but it’s a demonstration of your ability to do the job well.
• A cover letter that looks terrible because it ignores basic formatting standards could be an instant disqualifier — before the hiring manager reads the first word.
• Put yourself in the shoes of the person you’re writing to, and write a letter that would make that person want to hire you.
• Avoid common mistakes in writing and formatting —in fact, avoid any mistake whatsoever.

Free professionally designed templates